Ancient Trade Route
Silk Road: Dunhuang to Kashgar · 9 days / 8 nights
Nine days along the Hexi Corridor and into Xinjiang: Buddhist grottoes, desert oases, the Great Wall's western end, rainbow mountains and the living Silk Road bazaars of Kashgar.
Route & overnight stays
Highlights
- Mogao Caves, the thousand-Buddha grottoes
- Crescent Lake and camel ride at Mingsha
- Jiayuguan — the Great Wall's western end
- Zhangye rainbow Danxia mountains
- Kashgar old town and Sunday bazaar
Day-by-day itinerary
Arrive in Dunhuang
Arrive in Dunhuang. Evening at Shazhou night market.
Mogao & Crescent Lake
Morning at the Mogao Caves (UNESCO). Afternoon at Mingsha dunes and Crescent Lake — camel ride at sunset.
To Jiayuguan
Drive to Jiayuguan. Visit the Jiayuguan Pass fortress, the western end of the Great Wall.
Zhangye Danxia
Drive to Zhangye. Afternoon in the rainbow Danxia landform — best light at sunset.
To Turpan
Fly or train to Turpan. Jiaohe ruins and the Karez underground irrigation channels.
Turpan to Urumqi
Flaming Mountains and Grape Valley. Drive to Urumqi. Evening at the Grand Bazaar.
Heavenly Lake, fly to Kashgar
Morning at Tianchi (Heavenly Lake) in the Tianshan mountains. Afternoon flight to Kashgar.
Kashgar
Kashgar old town, Abakh Khoja Tomb, and the great bazaar. Evening food street.
Depart from Kashgar
Transfer to Kashgar airport. Fly out or extend into Pakistan/Kyrgyzstan overland.
3, 4 and 5-star hotels
3-star
Comfortable tourist class
Clean, well-located hotels close to transport and dining, with private bathroom, air-conditioning, Wi-Fi and daily breakfast. The sensible-value option for budget-led groups.
4-star
Well-located superior class
Larger rooms, fuller facilities (restaurant, gym, business services) and a stronger breakfast buffet. The standard most travelers choose, and the tier we recommend for this tour.
5-star
International deluxe class
International-brand or leading local deluxe hotels with premium locations and top-level service. Best suited to special occasions and travelers expecting a top-end stay.
Included in the price
- ✓ Private air-conditioned vehicle or coach with licensed driver
- ✓ English-speaking licensed local guide on sightseeing days
- ✓ Accommodation with daily breakfast at the selected standard
- ✓ Entrance fees and activities stated in the confirmed itinerary
- ✓ Airport or railway station transfers stated in the program
- ✓ Travel insurance (subject to final quotation)
- ✓ China-side operational coordination throughout the trip
Not included
- – International flights to and from China
- – China visa fees
- – Domestic flights or high-speed train tickets unless stated
- – Meals not listed in the confirmed itinerary
- – Personal expenses, optional activities and gratuities
- – Services required because of flight disruption or other events outside the confirmed program
Booking notes
- Solo travelers are welcome to inquire. For 2 or more travelers, the tour operates privately by default.
Customize your trip
Start from Xi'an for an 11-day full Silk Road. Sunday bazaar in Kashgar is worth timing for.